A variety of compelling reasons encourage Maine, the United States and the world to move beyond a carbon-based economy. Next month’s meeting of world leaders in Copenhagen will emphasize the unfortunate contribution of carbon fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas) to global warming. Military conflicts in the Middle East highlight the danger of our nation’s overdependence on foreign oil. And the growing availability of middle-class lifestyles to 2.3 billion citizens of China and India means we must diversify our energy sources.
Based on all the activity in Maine lately related to the issue of climate change and clean energy, it’s clear that Mainers are getting the message about carbon overdependence. In fact, in the spirit of the state’s motto, “Dirigo,” Mainers are leading the way to energy independence.
This is especially true at Maine’s colleges and universities, which have taken an active role by teaching classes in and conducting research about energy, sustainability and climate change. They have also joined with their communities and the entire state in offering a blueprint for a greener future. The variety of projects reflects both specific local needs and the wide range of creativity that marks good educational institutions. What works in one community may not work in another. What excites one campus may not excite another.
Northern Maine has explored wind, a resource that has characterized the region since before the first inhabitants arrived. The University of Maine at Presque Isle and the Northern Maine Community College, which are located just two miles apart, both have embraced wind separately and collaboratively.
NMCC began one of the nation’s first wind power technology programs in 2008. The construction of First Wind’s 28 turbines on nearby Mars Hill and the potential development of other northern Maine wind farms make clear that skilled technicians will be needed to service and repair these highly sophisticated wind turbines. The educational program began in 2008 and classes quickly filled. A first class of graduates is expected in 2011.
UMPI began planning for the construction of a 600-kilowatt wind turbine in 2007. A lengthy process of contracting and permitting eventually bore fruit with the commissioning of the 213-foot tower and turbine in May 2009. On days with moderate wind, the turbine supplies the electricity needs for the entire campus. On days with strong wind, UMPI is also able to supply surplus electricity to the regional grid, occasionally as much as twice the amount of the power used on campus.
Both NMCC and UMPI had a number of reasons for their ventures. One factor common to both projects was the desire to encourage other parts of our community and the state to consider the prospects for wind energy and renewable energy of all kinds. We have supplied information to individuals, private organizations, government agencies and businesses. Both campuses have a strong desire to help build a wind economy in northern Maine. This could include manufacturers, installers, project designers, general and subcontractors and maintenance technicians. One of UMPI’s hopes is that its necessity of relying on a Danish-designed turbine manufactured in India and installed on a tower constructed by a South Dakota company by a Massachusetts general contractor would not need to be repeated for further projects. There is no reason this work can’t be done in Maine.
Collaborations between NMCC and UMPI have taken a number of directions. NMCC students have been introduced to wind technology up close and personal as they have climbed the UMPI tower. Instructors at the two schools share lectures and visits. For NMCC wind power graduates wishing to explore the public policy and economic development potential for wind in Maine and the country, UMPI’s planned energy curriculum combining science, business, law and public policy provides a natural progression for their learning. Both schools connect closely to local government and countywide wind advancement activities. This is win-win, or possibly wind-wind, collaboration between parts of higher education in Maine.
Timothy Crowley is president of Northern Maine Community College. Donald Zillman is president of the University of Maine at Presque Isle.